Hardesty, Cox continue rivalry that originated in high school

Carolina Clash

If Saturday is the last time they face each other, it would provide the winner with a lifetime of bragging rights.

The friendly rivalry between Hardesty and Cox dates back to their high school days in North Carolina when Cox's team beat Hardesty's for the state title two years in a row. But Hardesty has two wins in three games with Tennessee against Georgia.

"They beat us twice for the state championship," Hardesty said. "I'll never forget it. I'm good friends with Mo (Cox's high school and college teammate Mohamed Massaquoi), too, and I've always told him, 'Yeah, you got me twice in high school, but I got you twice in college.' "

Their high school matchups ended with lopsided scores. Cox, Massaquoi and Charlotte Independence beat Hardesty and New Bern 41-20 for a 2002 North Carolina title. The next year, Independence won 54-7.

"He's good," Cox said of Hardesty. "He's such a good all-around back. You see him now and he's gotten so much bigger and he's more powerful. It's easy to see why he's so good."

Hardesty and Cox have followed similar paths at their respective schools. Both redshirted their first years. Then they spent three seasons as a primary backup before earning a chance to start as seniors.

"I've played a lot of football here," Hardesty said. "But it feels good that the coach has confidence in me to give me the football more and more. But it's not all me. The linemen are playing well up front and if you don't have holes, you can't run."

Just five games into his senior year, Hardesty has already gained more yards than any of his previous three seasons. He leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing with 575 yards and 115-yards-per-game average.

Hardesty had spent much of the last three seasons moving up the depth chart. He was the Volunteers' short-yardage back last season and scored six touchdowns. He has five touchdowns after five games this season.

Hardesty's running has been one of the Volunteers' brightest spots as Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 SEC) has struggled to find momentum under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. Tennessee ranks near the middle of the conference in the most important offensive team categories and is still in search of its first SEC win.

"Coach Kiffin has brought a lot of energy to the program," Hardesty said. "There's a lot of excitement around here, and we're getting really close to turning the corner."

Kiffin replaced Phillip Fulmer last winter. Fulmer had been either an assistant or head coach at Tennessee for 30 years and recruited Hardesty to become a Volunteer. Fulmer's dismissal taught Hardesty a life lesson.

"It's sad that coach Fulmer isn't here. But it's exciting to be part of something new, too," Hardesty said. "Things change. Life changes on you and nothing stays the same. You've got to learn to adjust to the changes and turn them to your advantage."